The Ultimate Guide to Princess Cruises: Everything You Need To Know
This guide was updated in August 2023.
Welcome to our comprehensive Guide to Princess Cruises! If you're dreaming of embarking on a memorable voyage with one of the world's most trusted cruise lines, you've come to the right place. In this guide, we'll take you on a virtual tour of Princess Cruises, covering everything you need to know to plan your perfect cruise vacation.
Here's what we'll cover in this guide:
A Short History of Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises Ships
Destinations and Itineraries
Who Goes on Princess Cruise Ships
Dress Code
Dining Options
Activities and Entertainment:
Gratuities
All-Inclusive Packages
Spa, Excursions, and Other Extras
Established in 1965, Princess Cruises started its journey with just one ship, offering cruises to Mexico. Over the years, it has evolved into one of the world's most renowned and trusted cruise lines, gaining recognition for its exceptional service and top-notch amenities.
Princess Cruises positions itself as being an affordable luxury cruise line. It strikes a balance between traditional cruising values and modern conveniences, ensuring a great experience for all its passengers. The core focus lies on providing excellent service, unforgettable dining experiences, and opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Princess Cruises Ships
Caribbean Princess
Coral Princess
Crown Princess
Diamond Princess
Discovery Princess
Emerald Princess
Enchanted Princess
Grand Princess
Island Princess
Majestic Princess
Regal Princess
Ruby Princess
Sapphire Princess
Sun Princess - Coming Soon
Where do Princess Cruises sail?
Princess Cruises sails to a wide range of destinations around the world, offering diverse itineraries to suit different travel preferences. With a fleet of 16 ships, the cruise line covers numerous regions and continents, allowing passengers to explore various cultures and landscapes. Some of the popular destinations where Princess Cruises sails include:
Alaska: Princess is known for its Alaska sailings and is one of the most popular cruise lines to sail the region. The 2024 cruise season marks the 55th anniversary of Princess sailing in Alaska, and 7 ships are scheduled to depart from 4 homeports, including Vancouver BC, San Francisco CA, Seattle WA, and Anchorage (Whittier).
Caribbean: Princess Cruises sail the Caribbean year-round from Ft. Lauderdale, Galveston, New York City (Manhattan or Brooklyn), and Port Canaveral (Orlando).
Europe: Princess Cruises is one of the more popular US-based cruise lines that sail Europe during the European Summer months (March - October). You can find cruises from Athens, Barcelona, Rome (Civitavecchia), Southampton (London), and Trieste (Venice). Watch our 2022 Northern European Cruise on Enchanted Princess.
Asia: Princess Cruises departs from the Asian ports of Singapore, Tokyo, Kobe, and Hong Kong. Some of its ships, such as the Diamond Princess, are built to cater to the local tastes and cultures.
Australia & New Zealand: Princess has been ramping up its sailings in the Australia and New Zealand region. It now has multiple ships sailing from the homeports of Sydney, Brisbane/Meeanjin, Melbourne, and Perth (Fremantle)/Boorloo (Walyalup), Auckland/Tāmaki Makaurau, and Adelaide/Tarndanya.
Canada & New England: Growing in popularity are the Canada and New England cruises that sail during the picturesque summer months. Cruises depart from New York City, Boston, and Quebec. Watch our experience cruising Canada and New England on Princess Cruises.
The International Cafe includes a range of free snacks
What is Included on Princess Cruises?
On Princess Cruises, most activities and dining options are included in the cruise fare, providing guests with a wide range of complimentary experiences during their voyage. Included activities typically encompass entertainment in the main theater, live music, game shows, dance classes, quizzes, sports activities, and access to the gym, pools, and sports facilities.
However, there are additional amenities and services that come with extra charges. These include:
The Sanctuary: An exclusive outdoor adults-only relaxation area where guests can indulge in a tranquil setting for an additional fee.
Excursions: Shore excursions organized by the cruise line may have a separate cost and can be purchased to explore the various ports of call.
Spa: Treatments and services at the Lotus Spa, including massages, facials, and salon services, are available at an extra charge.
Specialty Restaurants: While most dining options are complimentary, some specialty restaurants offer unique culinary experiences at an additional cost.
Drinks: Most beverages, including a`lcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks beyond the standard offerings (tea, coffee, water, lemonade, iced tea), will incur extra charges. There are drink packages available for purchase that provide inclusive benefits for certain beverages.
All Inclusive Packages (Princess Plus and Princess Premier)
Princess Cruises introduced two new All-Inclusive packages in 2023, known as Princess Plus and Princess Premier. These packages offer different levels of inclusive benefits, catering to various cruising styles and budgets.
The details of these packages, their inclusions, and pricing can be found in the comprehensive guide "A Guide to Princess Cruises Packages: Princess Standard, Princess Plus, and Princess Premier".
Princess Cruises has complimentary and paid for dining options.
Dining Onboard Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises provides a diverse selection of dining options, both complimentary and available at an additional charge.
Complimentary Dining Options:
Main Dining Room: Guests can enjoy delicious meals in the main dining room, which offers a variety of dishes and menus to cater to different tastes.
Buffet: The buffet area serves a wide range of international cuisines, allowing passengers to indulge in various culinary delights.
International Cafe: Open 24 hours, the International Cafe offers a selection of light bites, sandwiches, pastries, and specialty coffees and teas.
Pool-side Grill: Some ships feature a pool-side grill where guests can savor grilled favorites and casual fare.
Specialty, Extra-Charge Dining Venues:
For those seeking a more unique and premium dining experience, Princess Cruises offers a range of specialty restaurants at an additional cost. Prices for these venues can range from $3 to $100, depending on the restaurant and the specific offerings.
For more detailed information on the dining options available on Princess Cruises, passengers can refer to the "Guide to Princess Cruises Dining," which offers comprehensive insights into the variety of culinary experiences awaiting them on their voyage.
Are Drinks Free on Princess Cruises?
Princess Cruises offer a small selection of complimentary options, which include tea, coffee, water, lemonade, and iced tea. However all other drinks are an additional cost.
For those interested in the details of what drinks are included in the packages and Princess Cruises' alcohol policy, they can refer to our "Guide to Drinks Packages on Princess Cruises." This guide provides comprehensive information about the different packages available, the beverages covered, and any relevant policies related to alcohol consumption during the cruise. It offers a convenient resource for passengers to plan their onboard beverage choices and make the most of their cruise experience.
What activities and entertainment will you find on a Princess cruise?
On a Princess cruise, you'll find a diverse array of activities and entertainment to keep you engaged and entertained throughout your voyage.
The main theater is a focal point of entertainment, featuring performances by the resident show team who put on original Broadway-inspired productions during the cruise. Additionally, the theater hosts visiting acts, including comedians, singers, music groups, and guest speakers, offering a variety of performances to suit different tastes.
During the day, the activities team organizes a wide range of events. This includes quizzes, lectures, sports activities, and classes like Zumba and Yoga, catering to both active and intellectually curious passengers. Around the ship, you'll find live music and entertainment, including game shows and dance classes, providing opportunities for fun and relaxation.
A popular activity is "Movies Under the Stars," where the pool deck transforms into an open-air cinema in the evenings, screening blockbuster films. Passengers can enjoy the movies on comfortable loungers with blankets, and complimentary popcorn adds to the cinematic experience.
For those seeking physical activities, the gym, pools, and sports facilities are available for free use, allowing guests to stay active and enjoy the ship's amenities.
For families traveling with children, larger Princess Cruises ships offer an extensive children's program designed for kids aged 3 to 17. The children's clubs, revamped in partnership with Discovery Channel, provide a mix of fun and educational activities to keep young cruisers engaged and entertained.
While many activities are included in the cruise fare, it's important to note that some additional amenities and services come at an extra charge. Spa treatments, shore excursions, fitness classes, and certain activities like wine tasting and the Sanctuary are examples of these additional offerings.
Overall, Princess Cruises cater to a diverse range of interests and preferences, ensuring that passengers of all ages and tastes can make the most of their cruise experience with a wide array of entertainment options and activities to enjoy.
All Princess Cruises ships include an extensive gym free to use.
How much are Gratuities on Princess Cruises?
As of September 2023, gratuities, also known as Crew Appreciation, on Princess Cruises vary based on the type of cabin booked. The following are the gratuity amounts per person, per day:
Interior, Oceanview, and Balcony: US $16
Mini-Suite and Reserve Collection: US $17
Suites: US $18
Princess Cruises also applies a Service Charge of 17% to 18% of the purchase price for optional items and services that are not included in the Cruise Fare. This Service Charge is automatically added to the following types of purchases:
Beverage Packages: If guests choose to purchase beverage packages, such as all-inclusive drink packages, a Service Charge of 17% to 18% will be added to the package price.
Drinks: For individual drink purchases made at bars and lounges, an additional 17% to 18% Service Charge will be applied to the cost of the drinks.
Dining Room and Specialty Dining: When guests opt for dining in specialty restaurants or make purchases in the main dining room beyond what's included in the Cruise Fare, a Service Charge of 17% to 18% will be automatically added to the total bill.
Private Group Functions: For private events or functions arranged by guests onboard, a Service Charge of 17% to 18% will be added to the applicable charges.
Other Elected Products, Services, or Amenities: Any optional products, services, or amenities chosen by guests that are not part of the standard Cruise Fare will also have a Service Charge of 17% to 18% added to their cost.
Formal Evenings on Princess Cruises
Do I Have to Dress Up on A Princess Cruise?
On a Princess cruise, the dress code is generally more smart-casual than formal. During the day, you are free to wear whatever you find comfortable. However, in the evenings, the dress code may vary between smart-casual and formal, depending on the specific occasion.
Formal evenings, also known as gala nights, are part of the cruise experience, and the number of formal nights can vary based on the length of the cruise. On these occasions, guests are encouraged to dress in elegant attire. For men, this typically means wearing tuxedos, dinner jackets, or suits, while women often opt for evening gowns, cocktail dresses, or elegant pantsuits.
On other evenings, the dress code is smart-casual. For men, this includes wearing pants, khakis, chinos, or smart jeans paired with an open-neck shirt or a polo shirt. Women can choose skirts, dresses, slacks, or sweaters as part of their smart-casual ensemble.
It is essential to note that certain clothing items are not permitted in the dining rooms at any time. These include t-shirts, shorts, halter tops, baseball caps, and jeans with rips or holes. Additionally, guests are required to wear shoes at all times in all dining venues.
Who goes on Princess cruise ships?
Princess Cruises has a diverse group of passengers from various parts of the world. While the majority of cruisers come from North America, there is also a considerable number of guests from the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. Depending on the cruise itinerary, passengers from Japan and China may also be present.
The age demographic on Princess Cruises tends to be mostly 40-plus. However, you'll also find families, including multi-generational ones, with younger children, particularly during school and public holidays.
